Big Jim Pepper

Big Jim is a versatile New Mexico-type chile rated at 1,500 to 2,500 SHU, spicy enough for salsas and chilies without overpowering heat. The long peppers carry sweet, citrusy flavors with a touch of spice, ripening from green to bold red as they get hotter, and plants produce generously.

At a glance

• Variety: Big Jim Pepper
• Type: Heirloom, non-GMO
• Heat: 1,500 to 2,500 SHU (mild to medium)
• Fruit: Long, ripens green to red
• Yield: Generous producer
• Sun: Full sun

Best for

• Salsas and chilies
• Roasting and stuffing
• Southwestern dishes
• Fresh eating with mild heat
• High-yield pepper gardens

How to grow

Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost and transplant after the soil warms. Give full sun and steady moisture. Harvest green for milder flavor or let ripen to red for more sweetness and heat.

Flavor profile

Sweet and citrusy with gentle, building heat, flavorful without overwhelming a dish.

About MIgardener

MIgardener is a Michigan-based company known for affordable heirloom seeds that help home gardeners grow more food from every packet.